BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was established as a separate component within the Department of Justice pursuant to Title XI of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, on January 17, 2003.

The mission of ATF is to conduct criminal investigations, regulate the firearms and explosives industries, and assist other law enforcement agencies. This work is undertaken to prevent terrorism, reduce violent crime, and protect the public in a manner that is faithful to the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

The major functions of ATF are to:

Enforce federal firearms laws in order to remove violent offenders from our communities and keep firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited by law from possessing them.

Increase the rate of compliance with firearms laws and regulations in order to prevent the transfer of firearms to those prohibited from having them.

Prevent firearms violence through community outreach.

Enforce federal explosives laws in order to protect the public from criminal acts and unsafe storage of explosives.

Increase compliance with explosives laws and regulations so that these commodities are not used in violent crime.

Foster innovation and cooperation in the fire and explosives investigation community.

Enforce laws that prohibit the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products from legitimate commerce.